I stopped CYCLING my BIKE for 200 DAYS

I took an FTP test after 200 days off the bike - and assessed where I'm at!
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#Cycling #FTP #marklewis

[@gregdoucette]

After 200 days your cardio is of course way down but just like muscle memory we get back our cardio really fast.

[@RMILLSMMA]

Is it just me that thinks Coach Gregg commenting on a fitness influencers (sorry for using that term) channel is like a right of passage into awesomeness?!? 👍🏻🔥🥇

[@AlanLamb11]

It always feels like it takes about 2-3 weeks of constant training to get to 90% of max cardio but it is a painful 2 weeks and that final 10% might never be attained again depending on age and training dedication. I remember having a vo2 max in the 70s in my twenties, only tested once in my ealy 30s and was in the low 60s, just hit 40 and got 45 and was REALLY trying and still ended the test feeling exhausted compared to my 20s when after finishing the tests going on fast 5 mile runs. The bothersome part is I don't feel any different day to day, even going on a quick run up a hill I definitely am slower than in my 20s but it isn't until really pushing that I notice the actual difference.

[@ibbybibby]

ooo! Greg Doucette

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Yep, I find cardio gains and losses come and go much quicker than muscle. Good when it’s coming back but annoying when it goes!

[@msjeal]

Nailed it as always Coach!

[@benstanfill363]

I found your channel about a week ago and I have to say your outlook of "be above average" has been super motivating. I've been out of shape and overweight for years now and I really want to change that. Your videos are a huge motivator if for nothing else, it reminds me how much fun I had running.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Glad to be inspiring 👍🏼

[@John9O0H]

I've just started the gym after a previous year of hell - divorce, homeless, young child to now having bought my own home, shared custody and now going back to the gym. Fitness, or a lack of it holds no prisoners. I used to pride myself in my 20s of my fitness, now starting from basics at 32 is a very humbling and daunting journey. Thank you for videos like this. It reinforces that it's OK to struggle and go again from the beginning. Just what I needed to see right now. Great video.

[@namgreb9063]

I respect the hell out of Mark, not many fitness youtubers show you their struggles. It takes a lot of humility to realize things are not working and go back to basics.

[@johnfriedl7126]

Partially thanks to you Mark I just deadlifted 100kgs for the first time 30mins ago. Not impressive at 84kgs bodyweight, but a nice step up for me. Keep up the great work. I will treat myself by watching this video.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

100 kg is 100 kg - nice work 💪

[@XX-is7ps]

I come for the video content, I stay for the #humblebrags

[@zimmejoc]

We all start somewhere. Keep it up.

[@johnrobinson4445]

Congratulations! That a big, juicy round number that feels good to achieve.

[@wreython]

Intelligent self criticism cleverly disguised as entertainment! Thanks Mark. I feel so much better now I know someone else loathes their own failing (older) body sometimes!

[@luxsasha]

So glad to see you back in the cycling realm!! My fav fitness/running/cycling KZbinr !! ❤❤

[@Thespecialone1970]

Yay! Zwift and cycling videos is what drew me to your channel in the first place. Glad you’re back into it Mark 😊 that gravel bike looks awesome! Looking forward to videos of you outdoors trying it out!

[@MarkGreaves007]

What a refreshing video. Well done chief. A well measured summary of your fitness that looks forward rather than back. I’ve always enjoyed the come back from any set back. Keep rocking man.

[@JustinMayfield]

I love the brutal honesty of your channel. Well edited, good story telling and no ego, even when you're doing things that are pretty awesome. Great content mate!

[@MrBoggins1234]

💯 add also the sense of humour is right up my street too 👌

[@thejadedjester4935]

@@LukeMosse odd take, I disagree with the idea that he simply threw it away, he was trying other things (as we all should try at times). The fact that he at least started off at a better place then where he began means he didn't lose it all, still retained things. Sure he was bothered, he conveyed that throughout the video, he was shocked at how this facet of his exercise and physical skills had deteriorated as he was trying a different one. I don't really think it's ego.

[@thejadedjester4935]

@@LukeMosse then you weren't watching the video with at least most of your attention, the past 200days instead of cycling he was doing functional fitness, hybrid training and competing in Hyrox competitions as well as the typical things he tended to do alongside cycling when he was doing it. Can you point out where at all he said he stopped exercising at all with a timestamp so I can at least see you just misinterpreted instead of just made that up.

[@nicolasremillard3491]

Thanks for putting cycling back on the menu Mark! I need this kind of motivation when going back to indoor cycling after a summer of outdoor adventures.

[@mrpokeit]

I love this channel. Brutally honest, funny and all the more inspirational because of it.

[@mathias8013]

Great to see you back on the bike Mark! That's the content I orginally came here for. Keep up the good work!

[@2000roadracer]

Love the honesty here Mark, it's interesting how affective the cycle trainer is, especially for a quite heavy person.. Fitness, with relatively low injury risk.. Can't wait to see what you do at your next parkrun !

[@kennethwickey3661]

As a lifetime strength athlete, I have finally come to the realization that cardio is king. My main fitness goal is 150 minutes of intense cardio per week. Anything else is a bonus, and I do usually fit 2 1 hour strength workouts in. I feel so much better now compared to when I only lifted weights and did HIIT.

[@lechprotean]

hahah the grass is always greener on the other side. I went from doing 500km+ epic rides back to weight training as I have plateaued in my power output and simply need more muscle mass and power plus I much prefer an inverted triangle physique compared to what an ideal cyclist looks like (all legs an no upper body, ideally) so yeah, I expect my cycling performance and metrics like w/kg to drop but that is my plan anyway...

[@GavinWren]

This is really relateable, I’ve had ~5 months away from running to focus on my strength and now I’ve come back to running my aerobic fitness is very low. It’s a nice reminder to hold onto the sports we really enjoy

[@odinschneider7238]

Glad to see you’re back! I love the cycling videos and the old ones made me extremely motivated to start with Zwift. I just finished my first Zwift race yesterday, so this is great to see👍

[@DeadeyeJoe37]

I really like how you're down to earth and honest about your journey. You show your successes as well as your failures instead of a pretty picture of how perfect you are. You inspire me to keep going despite my weaknesses. Currently trying to do hybrid fitness myself, but having a hard time with squats because of knee issues. I'll keep trying!

[@rupert909]

Yknow, unless you are trying to improve at a very specific sport that requires squats, like powerlifting or weightlifting; you don't need to do squats 😅

[@DeadeyeJoe37]

@@rupert909 it's true. I'm not in for any competition. The program I'm doing does program back squats frequently and I did enjoy them, but found out that I was only doing half squats and wasn't going to parallel (I got up to almost 400 lbs doing those squats). I worked on my body so now I'm comfortable getting into a deep squat, but I had to start with an empty bar to relearn the movement and started making progress. but then haven't consistently lifted for a few months. Now I'm realizing my mobility and functional movement has to be regained, which is why I'm getting knee pain. ☹️

[@rupert909]

@@DeadeyeJoe37 it sounds like you really want to squat, despite not doing squats for any kind of competition, so that's understandable... just so long as you know that the squat isnt superior to any other corresponding leg exercise. there's no benefit to strength, fitness or physique doing squats over leg press for example. personally i'd just replace squats with something that doesn't hurt my knees or force me to "relearn" the movement for months using super lightweight if i was in your position... but my goals might be different to yours. but you do you, i hope you achieve your goals 👍

[@DeadeyeJoe37]

@@irfuel I hate Bulgarian split squats in a good way. Doing left then right back to back with no rest leaves me sucking wind after a couple of rounds

[@pip470]

Your self accountability and awareness is inspiring. thank you for keeping it real.

[@tolulopeobe]

Cycling content is back - finally 💪🏾. As someone who also cycles, runs and gym training, I can completely relate with how it sometimes seems like cycling is boring and it’s just going to be there to take you back when you are ready- the safe bride.

[@michaelburns263]

Wow - so rateable - should you go back is the question?

[@Lonewolf54322]

“The bike is always there for you. Waiting for your comeback”. We can rest for a while. But you know at some point there’s gonna be like an itch wanting to pedal that beast

[@andyking8464]

Great to hear you're getting back on the bike. Hopefully, the mix of indoor/outdoor and the 'icing' activities will keep you there - as a viewer and a cyclist, the pain is just too good to miss out on! :)

[@michaeloliveira1132]

love the content! your outlook on training is so positive and keeps me motivated even on the worst of training days! Keep up the good work, you'll soon be back better than you were before!

[@MrLeovdmeer]

Great vid Mark. Like your humor and it keeps me going on Zwift. I try to do 4 sessions every week and feel the improvement every time.

[@QualityAntics]

Love it! Finally got a power meter and did my first 20 minute test today. Awesome work mate keep inspiring and entertaining

[@duncanhamilton5841]

Went from a daily cyclist with giant quads in Mar 2020, but crap at anything else. Now, with 2.5 years of cali, HIIT, rowing, and weights I'm crap at cycling but have much better all round fitness. Rode the bike this afternoon and my quads were on fire. Got in thinking I really need to focus on the bike for my steady state, rather than just the rower... and then find you've put this up

[@sharkATX]

Thanks for your honesty with all your training. It sometimes seems unfair when you put in the effort and you can't keep up because of other duties / illness and have to start again. You get at it with ease. That's refreshing.

[@MaxRothFitness]

This is exciting. Your cycling vids is what got me into your channel when u had like 5k subs

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Lots coming!

[@WisePaul1337]

Love how the quality of the videos has continued to improve, one of my favourite channels.

[@dougsrosen]

Way to put this video out. Who hasn't that wall after a break in your peak. It's tough, but you gotta start somewhere. Good luck Mark.

[@Vusseyv]

Thanks Mark, always enjoy your content, my ftp fell off a cliff due to 24 months out (illness) so I went from 250km rides to 40km rides. I’m back on trainer road zwift structured workouts on the long journey back. Although I am functionally as strong as I ever was the cardio and leg endurance has evaporated. Still onwards and upwards!

[@adohmnail6445]

Great work. What this shows is that that there is no crossover between sport specific training...or rather slight crossover. You can carry your fitness over but the specific muscle adaptation is required. You will probably find your adapt fast and will get some great results cycling quite soon. Love the channel and content. I am an old has been getting back into good fitness. It's an uphill grind but worth it.

[@johnfriedl7126]

True. I ride a bicycle regularly and I don't get passed very often. I'd say my fitness is there. However when running I struggle to beat a short legged lady (I am 6'1) which is probably 10 years older than me but runs at half the bpm. I suck at running all of the three times a year.

[@michaelburns263]

Hi. Please take a look at my comment on the video and see what you think. Would appreciate it. :)

[@thetruespuddy7137]

I’ve been subscribed since you bought the first original wahoo kikr bike and got hooked your channel instantly. Honestly you’re outlook on fitness is so refreshing. I used to watch what I ate to the point of where it was causing me to have pretty foul mood daily and if I slipped and had a chocolate bar for example I would hate myself. (Stupid now I know) but adopting the same ‘above average’ as you has just netted me a 10k pb and all round feeling so much better about myself. Cannot wait for the zwift videos to return and hopefully you’re training vlogs. Saving money to move out at the minute and cannot wait to eventually buy my own kikr bike even if it takes me 20 years haha. Honestly Thankyou so much for the content!

[@MrJohnsink]

Great video Mark, good to see you're back on the bike! 👍👌💪

[@LockeLeviathan]

This is really timely. Just yesterday, I started a cross country mountain biking training plan after not riding for months. Signed up for a race in 20 weeks so I had a goal. Getting out there and getting dirty is a great motivator. Welcome back! I'm excited to see your progress.

[@mcclainmedia1812]

Go get it!

[@mcclainmedia1812]

Using hill repeats and intervals are your best buds

[@joolski]

Great video Mark ! I've really enjoyed watching your videos, good humour and a down to earth tone. Nice. Glad you've got yourself an off road bike, it's something I've used for a few years now to keep the interest up during the cold dark months. Also, you might want to try doing some night riding off road too, it's lots of fun.

[@daviddemoise3526]

Looking forward to more cycling content. I switched to cycling from rowing as my primary cardio back in April and have been totally hooked.

[@keysersoze2568]

Not zwifted since June, keep putting off getting back on knowing it'll smart and was bored of it too. Watched this and I'm about to pump the tyre and dust down the Kickr. Thanks for the humerous motivational boost.

[@extrospective]

Mark this was super inspiring as someone who has also taken a while off the bike and getting back to training. Keep at it 💪👌

[@davidhaythorn5983]

Hi Mark, just caught up with your latest update, simply love your videos and the message they send. I just over two weeks ago did my final race of the triathlon season a 70.3 half iron distance race at Challenge Peguera Mallorca. Since then, I have been on my usual end of season break, a couple of weeks or so of well nothing! really, just eating too much and the odd doughnut maybe? But this video reminds us of all that whereas a couple of weeks off at the end of a season is of benefit, and helps your body recover from all the slamming it's been through over that last year, doesn't mean more than a couple of weeks or so. If anything, the video woke me up and got me ready to get on it again! Cheers David.

[@juxtapositionrecords]

Nice video, Mark! I stopped cycling over the summer for a couple of months and my FTP is depressingly low. Nice to know I'm not alone and I hope to get a good session of training on the turbo over the winter. Good luck!

[@madshansson20]

Great content. I can truly relate. Thanks for sharing👍

[@ollieelgie]

This is a great video. I found your channel during your peak Zwift posting (maybe end 2020/start 2021), so that content got me subscribing. That said - I've enjoyed all the other content too. Just in relation to your "So, where does all that leave me? In a BRILLIANT place" - This is it. This is what is so good about your channel (apart from the movie/image cutaways and the self-deprecating approach to being "above average", of course). Such a great attitude. I started cycling September 2020 with an FTP of 218 and 86kg with no sprint/1-min power. I am now 78kg (got down to 76kg in the summer to ride the Etape) and an FTP around 300 and much better short power. This is brilliant, no? Well...not really. Yeah, I'm much fitter. I feel far better in day to day life, with far more energy. Instead of getting dropped in C races, I'm winning the occasional B on a random computer game. But, so what? I'm 40 and I know this is now my ceiling. The life I want (and the cake I want) mean I'm happier around 80kg. The only from here is older, heavier and down. I really enjoyed the journey of getting fitter oer the past 2 years. Now I'm at my personal peak, I don't like the reality that I have nowhere to go. Having a bit of a "restart" as you've done, so that you can "go again", fight for and enjoy those gains again. It's great. I'm sure you'll make those gains. For the same reasons, I'm looking to restart running, a dozen years after a knee injury seemed to call an end to that. It'll be a long journey back to a good (or at least, above average) 10km time. But I'll enjoy the journey. On Zwift, hopefully your raw power will be back and you'll have a chance to hand be my backside on a platter in a race soon.

[@marcoshea4868]

Thanks for sharing this just what I needed to hear 👍

[@felixschneider5040]

Keep it up, Mark. You're an inspiration!

[@michaelnyvang3717]

Good Mark I need to bike again in weekend. Thank you for the heads up!!

[@Fulgur98]

I used to be a prolific cycler and had to postpone it for the year due to several reasons. Getting back on it now suckssssss, I have lost everything I had fitness wise and even my mentality cant pull me up the hills anymore. But as you said in this video perfectly we know what it takes to get there and it should be easier, please keep us updated. Great to see :D

[@XX-is7ps]

If you honestly believe the word you're looking for is "cycler" and not "cyclist", I have my doubts exactly how "prolific" at it you may have been ;-)

[@Fulgur98]

@@XX-is7ps hahaha, I'm just rubbish at English 🤣🤣

[@triskelly6486]

Great video again. Always keeping it fresh. Love it. If you ever want to do a full on endurance cycling event let me know. Wales in a day is a great one.

[@tomwright3086]

Glad your back to your riding. Enjoyed your zwift vids. That's what got me watching you from day one. I also went on to go buy kickr snap and a bike and go to lose 2 stone in the last year of training. Keep up the cycling vids mate there great 👌👌

[@tomlast2277]

Another cracking video, well done Mark love your content! I've just signed up to my first 10km race at the end of this month thanks to thus channel, inspired me and pushed me onto something I've always wanted to do but gained motivation after watching many of your videos. I'm now interested in entering a sprint triathlon next year in April. Even use bix hydration after seeing you use it and works wonders for my reflux. Looking forward to your next video, keep up the good work 👏🏻

[@OMGitsEOIN]

I get this massively, I've been injured for the past 6 months and I can't say how excited I feel to get back in the gym. I know it will be tough, but I'm sure I'll enjoy the process.

[@monetaryjack1705]

Good to see you back on it Mark- I've always found my "main activity" switches over time but always comes around again- sea kayaking, MTB, road cycling, drinking......lol.....After months of regular cycling and long days the "flip" has arrived here in the Scottish Highlands, dark, permanently cold, wet usually....Did my monthly "Strava Gran Fondo" 2 days ago and my worst time (plus a puncture ffs!), but then you have to factor in all the extra kit you actually wear and extras you need to carry when the weather could actually kill you if off road....I've just upgraded my old fluid trainer to a Kickr Snap yesterday so think for the next 4-5 months I need to get on that, and get on it often- just need to try out various programs but RGT and SYSTM X seem ok for finding my feet and the 4DP/FTP...Meanwhile out in the real world I have an XC old skool 26er MTB with thin fast rolling knobbly tyres (And spare wheels with Schwalbe Ice Spikers) and 100mm of travel up front that will do as my main winter trainer....keeps me away from the idiots in cars too, bad enough when conditions are good!!

[@AlistairHarrison15]

Really, really top content - the opening rant on the pandemic is utterly spot on. New to the channel, and very much enjoying it. Keep up the good work!

[@tommytp85]

My goodness Mark, your delivery has me in stitches everytime!

[@simonk337]

That was the motivation I needed to ride again. Thanks 👍

[@timverkoyen8742]

Receiving my Zwift Hub very soon. Will start from scratch as well. Intension is to train for triathlon. Great fun! Thanks for all your awesome, inspiring and humerous content!!! 💪👊

[@tomfoti2]

your humor just hits in the best of ways.

[@mrtonod]

Hate to see it when the faithful leave the fold. Welcome back. We don't do this just for fitness. I'm 64 and still ride about 200 miles a week and go to the gym and do road work and am still working a 9-5 and supporting my family. Thanks for sharing your experience, very informative.

[@salishseacycling]

Welcome back to cycling! I have missed these videos.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

More to come!

[@leefinch589]

I still recall riding down to my newspaper shop in North London on the morning of the "Big Storm" in 87 to do my paper round. Bins flying across the road, trees falling down and leaning into the wind to not get blown over. Waiting outside the shop for 30 minutes before figuring out the owner was not coming in, then rode home to be greeted by my old man, shocked that I was out in that weather and calling me a pillock lol.

[@gregorywoodbury7415]

I’ve been waiting for this. I don’t do Patreon - glad I can sign up on your website

[@julianoakes2230]

Another great video. I’m fast becoming a fan boi! As an off roader, I’ve always found roadies a bit dull, but despite this managed to cover c.5000 miles over the COVID times. I’ve now not touched my roadie for over a year (even my arse has gone back to being a normal shape!). I’ve always found running to be number 1 bang for buck to build your CV base, and I’m fortunate enough to have the knees still to take it. Now with a HYROX looming in January I’m likely to continue plodding for now. Keep up the great work, love it!

[@anthonypietronave3958]

It’s about time you did another cycling video 👍

[@brettsgarage7321]

Oh hi Mark! Love the vids, super inspirational. Hoping you're still looking into getting in the ring and doing some boxing in the future, would be awesome to see how you go at it.

[@DontGetDroppedCycling]

Let’s get back on it!! 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@bdiaz]

I like the visual thought of a cycling base as the cake and the extra curricular as the icing. i started my fitness journey in a spin class and going 2-3x/week has been incredible at establishing a cardio base and to ramp up to other fitness areas.

[@htownblue11]

I’m always amazed at how sport specific training can improve results in said sport, and when focusing on other training methods your performance can drop significantly in said specific sport. And yes Mark, who could forget the storm of 87! Miracle you’re alive honestly. 😂. Great stuff as usual.

[@paulprothero9997]

Yeah I agree. I need to stop dicking around with hyrox stuff and run properly again!!!

[@mattpowe]

great video thanks for posting

[@olliehalford5716]

You introduced me to Zwift and I’m loving it. Currently on mission to complete all the Zwift routes

[@rgk787]

Fascinating video, big fan of your channel. Glad you are getting back into cycling. Your HR maxing out at 167 under intense work is supposed to be a sign that your body is under recovered or lack of fitness.

[@E57HER]

Your towel attachment is genius!

[@kirkjones4105]

I've got to say your sense of humour is grate I've had so much laughs in short space of time. Perfect video keep up the good work and a new sub from me thanks. 👍

[@CrazedCorgi]

I sprained my ankle end of September, still can't ride my bike. Slowly getting better but not 100%. Watched knees over toes guy and started tibs weight lifting, never did it before. With my 17" calves, I never knew it was needed. Working on that and lower calf raises. I am missing the best weather in my area, nice and cool with no rain yet.

[@khanom27]

I actually had sort of the same issue lately. Cycling has always been a favorite of mine. Long distance ride (50K+) are just wonderful. That being said, i stopped riding for a couple of months because the rough summer weather we had this year, and I wanted to work more on my upper body. Went back to try one of my long rides, and while my bench press count went up, my legs definitely had some choice word’s for me during the ride. Now jumping back on the saddle, while also throwing in some weight training in between. Great choice on the gravel bike. This past spring I purchased a gravel bike (not a spring chicken anymore, had to put down my old heavy MTB) the ride quality has improved considerably. Being able to switch from road tires, to more rugged tires for the winter is a huge plus.

[@ervinkroeker4760]

love the video Im a long time cycles and normal ride every day so I doesn't get to far behind on endurance, your new plain sound great cant wait to see how it go?

[@cwd3191]

Welcome back!!

[@reynoldsair]

It was always about the struggle. Keep grinding💪

[@stuart8950]

The towel hanging from the ceiling is genius! Too many times I have dropped my towel mid race and had to endure sweat eyes for the final 20 mins!

[@markusseppala6547]

Always take care of your base fitness and it takes care of you.

[@jonathanfattori2396]

cheeky and inspiring 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@paullangan193]

I'm 50 yrs old. Bought a gravel bike 7 years ago to get fit...............used it 3 times. Type I diabetic and was 254lbs 4 months ago now 220lbs on Low Carb and Intermittent fasting. My Zwift HUB arrives tomorrow. Thanks for the push. I'm starting from scratch as my last real riding was on a Raleigh Equipe in 1988...

[@andrewnuse549]

Hey I made a cameo appearance during that Giant group ride; shame I hadn't noticed you were in the pack, would've given you a shout! Have been thoroughly enjoying your content Mark! Not sure I could stop riding on Zwift for 3/4 of a year though, enjoying the racing and those group rides too much; they're my family now! Love the candidness of your content and your journey. Keep up the story Mark!

[@wasimraja7439]

Love all your videos since I've discovered you. This is really interesting. I noticed my cardio fitness too a nose dive after suffering from c0v1d. I also had some issues from neuropathy in my legs. Still trying to regain my areobic base. I know I'll get their slowly but surely.

[@ianmacnz9045]

Welcome back to Zwift Mark! Great video. As they say...the only thing that makes up for time off the bike...is time on the bike. Enjoy the comeback. I recomend the Galaxy and Cycle Nation group rides..plenty of banter to keep one entertained.

[@everyman6328]

Fantastic, Mark. I’m in nearly the exact same place physically. I really appreciate the legit look at reality for most of us. No excuse, just have to drill down.

[@tomdevlin9442]

Great video as always Mark. Excellent news re: the gravel bike, you won’t regret it, I love mine! Looking forward to some gravel bike adventure videos 😉. Check out Salisbury Plain, South Downs etc. as a starter. Lots of gravel gran fondos/events too these days.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Yep. Got a few planned!

[@Believeintimetravel]

The 'gravity assist' at around 9:02 is hysterical.

[@leadingedgeknifeandtoolsha4128]

great video, as are all your videos! in my humble experience, if you switch exercise types, especially intense workouts, your body will eat the less used muscles. from my experience, i was doing crossfit for 6 months, I become strong, well below average strong. 40 pushups in a minute, 20 pull ups in a row, I was the most "fit" in my life. then, I went back to only running, a few ultras, a couple marathons. after 3 months of just running, 10 pushup in any amount of time was hard. so remember your not the only one, your awesome, and thanks for the videos!

[@sbrooks3936]

Loved The Rock and Michael Fish bits, and r'ship analogies. Very funny! (Michael Fish!!!!) 😁

[@paulcunvin1800]

Really good comparison video, I look forward to seeing you in some Zwift races soon! I'm on the boarder of C and B cat currently, looking forward to riding some B cat races on my own in dead last

[@AdrianTregoning]

The difference in heart rate could be ambient temperature related. For every degree (Celsius) above 21, your heart rate goes up by about 1.3% for the same effort. It's in an old running book of mine. Not sure how it relates to cycling but likely spot on. The best advice I ever got is: there's no point training if you can't recover from it. You're not the youngest cat on the block anymore (me neither) so never be afraid to take a rest day. All the best, hope to see you in Cape Town one day for a trail run. Keep posting these epic videos.

[@xdaddyxxspudx]

Hi mark.. I'm in the same boat as u. I've taken 4-5 months of the bike after doing coast to coast In July bourmought to Norfolk Coast. I've raced with u before with BRT n have followed ur channel for a period of time. Ive just got back on to the bike. I didn't do any other form of exercise so I've gained weight n increased my HR not down to fitness. I'm 10kgs heavier and over 80 watts down on my last FTP test. I'm only in the next 3-4 months I'll be back to my normal figure n power as well taking on the South coast to the North Coast. Portsmouth to Sunderland. Good luck with rebuilding the cycling power back up. May see u in the odd race again.

[@xdogs2]

Welcome back to the bike!!! Aaaaand doing more of it outside to boot! Now you know! Zwift may be good, but real Cycling is done outside :)

[@maddean3893]

Oh - perfect timing. Looks like I have missed ALL of your Hyrox content and there you are back for some serious motivation about cycling and staying fit and enjoying live in general in which respect hyrox just does not fit in for myself. 😉

[@visjenl]

Looking forward to Gravel content. I was able to go graveling last weekend after being in quaratine from covid for 2+ weeks. Pushing my normal tempo i was out of breath after 10 minutes. Over my 60km ride my heart rate was up 10 beats compared to my pre-covid state. Towards the end of the ride i already noticed my body coping much better. Zwift setup is also ready in my living room, this winter will be recovery.

[@KerenWang]

I'm at the same point after a miserable year of injury and overtraining. But I learned a lot.

[@1269Dondude]

I’ve been cycling since a bit before you stopped making cycling videos, but I never stopped! My ftp currently sits about 240 watts at 67 kg which I’m pretty happy with, which I think is about double what it was one year ago. I actually never got bored of it since I planned for big cycling trips which required training, and I would mostly ride outdoors which I never get tired of. This year I’ve done more than 4k miles and I’ve done 2 bike packing trips. I’ve also spent a week in the mountains and did 20k ft of elevation gain in about 3 rides. Instead of being a jack of all trades, I just really love riding the bike. All that said really look forward to seeing what you’re able to accomplish this go around, and if you enjoy the bike anymore spending some time outside!

[@cincicycles]

Can’t wait to see the gravel bike content Mark. You should look up Cyclocross as well. I think you would dig that type of outdoor bike race a lot.

[@stephenbrook65]

When Mark mentioned ‘dirt’ at the end, I was so so hoping he’d decided to try some CX ….

[@marick791]

@@stephenbrook65 I hoped he was going to MTB

[@powerbastion1083]

Brilliant. I do the same sort of thing - just over a 20 year period of cycling off and on.

[@Jono01]

Yes Mark! I got into cycling and Zwift after watching your videos. I think regular outdoor riding is the key. I ride around a local 400m high mountain once a week with friends. It does keep the motivation to train going as they are better cyclists than me. I’m doing some weights as well as “icing on the cake” but only if I can fit it in. The cake of my training is cycling and swimming with some running. (Hoping to do a half Ironman in February) Btw, how’s your new pain cave going?

[@lockstock212]

looking forward to seeing back in the C groups for a while ) enjoy , and you love the gravel bike.